Severe thunderstorms and heavy downpours forecast across SA

The South African Weather Service (Saws) has issued a Yellow Level 4 warning for severe thunderstorms and heavy downpours over parts of the country on Monday.

Saws said hail and excessive lightning that will lead to flooding over Limpopo, southern parts of Gauteng, Mpumalanga, and parts of KwaZulu-Natal.

An Orange Level warning for severe thunderstorms has also been forecast for the northern and central parts of Gauteng, the central parts of Limpopo, and the Mpumalanga Highveld.

Meanwhile, heatwave-like conditions have been forecast over the west coast and Cape Winelands Districts in the Western Cape and the Kamiesberg local municipality in the Northern Cape.

Rain damage in KZN

Disaster management teams have been deployed to the uMshwathi Local Municipality following inclement weather conditions experienced on Sunday evening.

Provincial MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi said severe weather has resulted in localised flooding, particularly within the New Hanover area.

"In addition to the incident in New Hanover, disaster management teams are responding to multiple reports of damage across the uMgungundlovu District," he said.

Three washed away, more missing

According to KZN MEC for Transport and Human Settlements Siboniso Duma, at least three people have been swept away following the rains.

"Three people have been swept away and reported missing. Some communities have been evacuated to the community hall. I will engage with the Minister of Human Settlements, Thembi Simelane, as part of efforts to strengthen and augment our intervention. Our focus is on short-term housing solutions for the displaced families," Duma said.

IOL